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Sunday, 20 April 2014

It may not look like Summer yet (or even Spring) outside, but something says its time. Time to swap my boots for sandals, bring the shorts out of hibernation, and start slathering on the SPF 115 (yes, it does go that high). But the most important thing about summer is listening to a differsnt type of music. You know the kind I’m talking about. The Beach Boys just don’t sound the same when there’s snow on the ground. So even though I’m not beach-bound yet (not that we have real beaches in Regina anyways), I’ve picked up the second slushy of the summer and am turning up the summer jams in the hopes that Mother Nature will get the memo.

No matter how old you are, Summer always feels like a time of youth and rejuvenation. Our skin darkens (hiding blemishes), the days are longer (more time to get into trouble), and the mood is exploratory. Whether we’re delving into a new book, a new relationship, or just new pathways through our city, everything becomes about growing.

The summers of the ‘90s were some of the best of my life, so my summertime playlist isn’t complete without at least one song from the album that defined those summers. I’m not talking Backstreet Boys, *nsync, or Britney Spears, but Much Dance 1997. It played in the background to front yard dance parties, was choreographed into cheesy routines, and sung on road and boat trips alike - Andria & Beth will know exactly what I’m talking about.

A classic reinvented, this song is all about the driving home after a day at the beach with your best friends, the lingering smell of campfires and cheap coolers, and sunsets after a day spent doing a whole lot of nothing - and everything at once. All summers have to end, but the memories never fade.

Driving around looking for adventure was always a part of summers as we got older. And driving has to have music to sing along to. ‘80s hair metal is the best because it’s best listened to at a loud volume and screamed along to. We all know the lyrics (you’re lying if you deny it), so sing along kids. We won’t laugh too hard if you’re out of tune.

Chilling on the beach or at a friends place requires something a little more mellow, preferably with a smooth guitar and a decent backbeat. The latest from Mr Probz (expertly remixed by Robin Schulz) fills these requirements perfectly, and is sure to be a choice track this summer.

So cheesy, but I can’t help but love it, since every awesome summer day feels like it is the best day of your life. Until that hangover hits tomorrow morning…

Ed Sheeran surprised me with this track, which reminds me a lot of Sexyback-era Justin Timberlake. It’s groovy, it’s jammin,’ and it’s beats are pretty damned infectious. I have no idea what’s playing in the clubs anymore (seriously, I’m too old for that, since the place is always filled with 19 year olds), but I would totally dance to this.

Circa Waves is a new band that I’m totally obsessed with right now. Their sound is very California sounding (think the OC and Yellowcard), and goes right along with a day at the beach playing beach volleyball and sipping Coronas.

Oh, summer romances. They’re doomed to end, but we just can’t resist them, can we? For when they inevitably end, this track epitomizes the bittersweet summer breakup. Like they say “together we saw the end in sight.”

Summer romances, playtime at the beach, dancing the night away, and road trips are all great, but we can’t have any of that without our girls, am I right? And for that we need some never-to-be-retired Spice Girls! Girl power!

If you want to check out what else I’m listening to right now head right on over the Socialize page (see that link? right but there at the top of the page? never mind, just click this link) and mosey on over to my BBC iPlayer track list (hosted on Youtube). You’ll also find all my social media links up and working, so come and hang out! Virtually, of course (haha).

Sunday, 13 April 2014

As some of you know I had a birthday last week. Unlike most people, I don’t have any issue with growing older. In fact I relish it, because it means that I get to experience more, learn more, and just BE more as I become more and more the person that I am. 25 was definitely the most interesting year so far, and I feel like I’ve gotten closer to the settled person that I want to be even though I had to go through some chaos to get there. I could regale you with lengthy tales of my adventures (some of which I’ve already shared with you, and the rest which will end up in my memoirs), but I’m going to take a page from Andria Parker’s playbook and give you a list of 25 things I learned at 25. After all, I like my lists just as much as she does!

I. It is absolutely possible to pack up your life and move across the country in 7 days. (Or 3 days).II. The best bosses are bosses with dogs &; graphic novels. Chances are they’ll loan you both.III. Missing your graduation ceremony is nothing to get upset over, but when they misspell your name on your diploma some Hell better be raised. IV. Whistler has three sub-categories of “bros:” snowboard bros, mountain bike bros, and intellectu-bros.V. Never judge a band by their hipster reputation.

VI. Hanging out with your psycho-Duck BFF is awesome, but exhausting. We are all getting too old for shenanigans.VII. Playgrounds are always a good time.VIII. Cosmopolitans are not to be consumed in doses more than two, or you will end up in the ER.IX. Playing BBC Radio 1 at work is totally okay, as long as you contain your uproarious laughter when Zane Lowe belts out BSB’s “I Want it That Way” or Greg James imitates Miley Cyrus’ “Wrecking Ball” video.X. There are still places in Canada without proper postal service (I’m looking at you Whistler…)XI. If you walk your badly behaved dog people will always stop and coo over her, even when you explain to them that she is called “bad dog” (you’ll still love her anyways).XII. Skateboarders are the scions of Hell.XIII. If you ride the same bus every day with a person they will eventually start talking to you. Whether you like it or not. This is a great opportunity to tell them your name is Anastacia Beaverhousen.

XIV. Birthdays are not complete without Marble Slab ice cream or Denny’s Grand Slams.XV. With age comes an increased fear of irrational death, if not realistic death. (Though maybe we should just stop watching so much tv).XVI. Going to the club still requires the use of a fake name to fend off random guys. XVII. When you least expect it, you’ll find yourself crushing on the blonde barista-boy at Starbucks. (Since when do we like blondes???)XVIII. Star Wars pizza nights never get old.XIX. We’ll never get back to the Disney Renaissance if they keep releasing such terrible films. (I’m looking at you Frozen). XX. There’s no such thing as too many pairs of Converse Chuck Taylor All Stars.

XXI. Waiting for 3-inches of cable from China can drive a person mad. XXII. The frustration of explaining to people that you need a Master’s degree for your job will never go away. Thankfully you’ve honed your “look of incredulity.”XXIII. Famous people are just like regular people in that they are extremely weird when they are around their best friends (looking at you Hemsworth-Hiddleston-Cumberbatch).

XXIV. -40°C is no big deal. XXV. Self-checkouts are the best thing ever. Especially when you’re only buying a slice of cake.